Four-character idioms that pioneer the future: powerful words that express challenge and effort, perfect as personal mottos.

Indomitable; unyielding (literally: ‘unbent by a hundred setbacks’)

@kuroe_voice

Four-character idiom for those who strive: “Hyakusetsu-futō” (literally, “bent a hundred times, never broken”). May it offer you even a little encouragement.Words that resonate with the hearttranslationVoice actorvoice

Original Song – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] / Voice Actor · Narrator

In life, work, and learning, things often don’t go as planned.

Yet these words teach us the importance of continuing to take on challenges without fearing failure.

Rather than giving up after one or two setbacks, getting back up again and again builds experience and wisdom, which eventually leads to results and growth.

By keeping in mind the idea of “no matter how many times you fail, don’t let your spirit break—keep challenging yourself,” you can maintain a positive outlook when facing difficulties and find the courage to keep moving forward.

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kojifumi

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diligent and conscientious

It’s pronounced “seirei kakkin,” and it seems to mean devoting yourself wholeheartedly and tackling things straight on.

“Seirei” refers to applying yourself with all your might, and “kakkin” is said to mean working diligently and faithfully with humility.

When you set a goal you want to achieve, you want to face it honestly and directly, and keep putting in steady effort, right? This is one of those four-character idioms you might want to engrave in your heart when you find a goal that makes you want to give it your all.

Try leaving a note where you’ll see it in your daily life to lift your spirits.

Once-in-a-lifetime encounter

Ichigo ichie #Shorts #yojijukugo #proverb

Let me introduce the four-character idiom often associated with the tea ceremony: ichigo ichie.

This phrase means that each encounter or opportunity happens only once in a lifetime, and in the tea ceremony one is taught to approach a gathering with that mindset.

When we think, “We’ll meet again,” or “There will surely be another chance,” our attitude and words tend to become careless.

But if we treat it as ichigo ichie, we naturally aim to respond with sincerity and care.

It’s precisely in our task-driven modern era that this is a four-character idiom worth remembering.

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sasashina

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Fall down seven times, get up eight.

@az0202za

#Fall down seven times, get up eight #Yojijukugo (four-character idiom) #Indomitable spirit to keep challenging #Nanakorobi yaoki (fall seven, rise eight)

♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za

Many of you have probably heard the four-character idiom “shichiten hakki” (七転八起).

It’s said to mean “no matter how many times you fail, you don’t give up—you get back up and see it through.” It’s read as “shichiten hakki,” though some people read it as “nanakorobi yaoki.” When you’re working toward a goal, you may fail or run into obstacles.

Even then, you reset your mindset and keep striving toward your goal.

Isn’t this idiom just right for someone like you?

peerless; unmatched; second to none

Peerless under heaven; unmatched in the world. (Idiom: tenka musō)

There are times when people called geniuses or heroes are described as “tenka musō.” This phrase is read tenka musō and means a state in which there is no equal—no one else can stand alongside them.

It implies someone is so outstanding that others can’t match them.

Everyone has probably wished, at least once, to become such a person.

But you can’t get there with ordinary effort.

Precisely because of that, if you keep this word in your heart, it may help you strive to grow.

Set your ideal as tenka musō, and let it power your progress forward.

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sasashina

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firm principles

Firm moral integrity

Shisō-kengo is read “shisō kengo” and seems to mean firmly upholding one’s own ideals, convictions, and code without ever changing them.

Even in the days when you’re striving toward the future you’ve chosen, your feelings may waver and your convictions may seem to falter.

But that’s exactly when you should recall your beliefs and keep the promises you’ve made to yourself as you move forward.

Writing this four-character idiom somewhere visible at home or in your office could serve as a switch to fire you up.

hard struggle; bitter hardship; to struggle mightily

hard struggle; painstaking efforts; bitter hardship

It’s a four-character idiom that looks unfamiliar, but it’s read as “kushin-santan.” “Kushin” refers to thinking while enduring hardship, and “santan” seems to mean agonizing while pouring your heart into something.

When you’re striving toward a goal, it’s not only about clear, visible results or numbers—you often struggle mentally and emotionally as well.

This idiom feels like one that can support your heart during those times.

It’s perfect for someone like you, who believes that effort leads to achieving your goals and keeps pushing forward!